Jill and Stacey Do the Roo: Guest Blog

Jill and Stacey are two girls from Canada who left the cold behind to “Do the Roo” (Travel Australia). I asked them to do a guest article telling me the best “can’t miss” experiences if I ever make my way down under. Check out videos and articles of their adventures on their blog!

Hey Brook!

Thanks for asking me to do a guest blog on Australia!

While Jill and I have only traveled from Sydney to Cairns there’s definitely lots to tell other travelers!

Jill and I started off in Sydney, we met up with Jill’s friend from grade school and crashed at her place in Surrey Hills for a few weeks. We had a blast in the city, we hung out with hipsters and fellow twentysomethings with the pulse on what was happening in the city. Biking seems to be a popular way to get around the city for most, it’s inexpensive and great exercise I’d even venture to say that half the guys had way better legs then half the girls! We hung out at a place called Ching-a-lings for their Sunday BBQ’s, checked out the Harbor Front, kicked it in Kings Cross, then made our way to Bondi to get “beached as”!

Bondi was a blast, definitely a more cruisey place with lots and lots of beautiful people hanging out at the beach. In case you guys haven’t heard the Lifeguards shoot a show called “Bondi Rescue” which is a reality version of Baywatch! We had the honor of interviewing Hoppo who is essentially the Hasselhoff of Bondi! We definitely recommend hiking up the path to the cliffs and chilling out at the very top! The sites are stunning and its a peaceful easy feeling to take in what Bondi has to offer!

Jill and I then headed out to Newcastle where we dined at a fabulous place called Silo Lounge where we had a gorgeous seafood platter for two and decided it would be the perfect place for a date (if we had one). After our delicious dinner we headed to Hunter Valley. Hunter Valley is PERFECT for people who want to reconnect with nature and relax on a mountain top. We had the best experience at Cottages On Mount View where we stayed with Brian and Delia in their wine region oasis! They took us on wine tours, cheese tours, olive tours and told us about the land, it’s a perfect couples destination! After a busy first day we kicked back and relaxed in our deluxe cottage complete with jacuzzi!

We had over 17 stops along the way, so I’ll just have to sum up what our absolute favorites were:

Yamba – We stayed at the YHA hostel with Shane and Melissa, we took Shane’s $15 BS tour! It was fantastic, full of laughs, amazing scenery, great weather, and cliff jumping! I can still feel the sting from the 33ft jump! But oh so worth it!

Surfers Paradise – We ended up crashing with friends here, Surfers is a backpackers dream. There’s tons of activities for people of all ages and interest types. Some suggestions would be: Mt. Tambourine, Springbrook, Adventure Park, Holden Driving Centre, surfing with Munga Barry the legend himself, Cruising the Tall Ships, take an aboriginal tour with Balunjali Kayaking Tours, or a joy ride on the Tiger Moth Joy Flights (just to name a few). Check out Adventure Tours for more information! You definitely have to sign up for the fun while you’re here!

Byron Bay – We stayed at the Dolphin Motel, it was a spacious private room, a bit pricier then a hostel but the air conditioning and peace of mind were worth it. We did a snorkel with Sundive and went to Julian Rocks, then ate at the Budda Bar which doubles as a theatre and rock haven. Then coasted up to Cape Byron for the most breathtaking sunset both of us had ever seen. It was like standing outside Heaven’s Gates.

1770/Agnus Waters – We stayed at the Mango tree motel which was steps away from the beach, friendly, clean and super spacious! While we were here we took the L.A.R.C Tour which showcased the lands that haven’t been touched since Captain James Cook first landed, we took a motorcycle ride into the sunset with Scooteroo (we got to ride our own mini cycles and choppers too), then we had a surf lesson that only cost $15 for 4hrs! Unheard of in most parts of Australia!

Airlie Beach – We stayed at the Waterfront backpackers resort, it was sorta pricey and not the greatest but it had air conditioning so we were happy! Jill and I feel in love with the Whitsundays as we cruised around the islands and took in the soul tickling surroundings. The waters are so blue you feel like you’re jumping into a photoshopped post card! We had a riot on the Camira while on board with Cruise Whitsundays. It was SO much fun, we had a snorkel on the reef, went to Whitehaven Beach for some beach sports and tanning, then hopped back on board for a massive on ship BBQ complete with fresh seafood and all the yummy fixin’s! Jill and I also treated ourselves to a night out on the town and found our way to Magnums for a sloshy night of shenanigans! You’ll have to check out our episode on Airlie Beach Nightlife to see for yourself!

Cairns – We unfortunately got rained out, but this is one of the ultimate backpackers destinations! Over 600+ tours departing daily! Basically it’s a grown-ups playland!

So hopefully this will help anyone looking to book a road trip up the coast!

Here’s some helpful tips for travelers who haven’t been to Australia as well:

– If you’re backpacking try renting a van to save on accommodations – there’s a $15 camping guide book on where to stay for free and sometimes this helps to cut tons of costs. Wicked Campers is one of the cheapest places to rent from, and the van comes equipped with linens, cookwares, and everything you need for a good time. Just bring yourself, your gear, and a positive attitude and the road can be your best friend.

- Also, if you fill your tank when it’s at half you save on gas. OH! When going up hills don’t forget to shift down gears and turn the air conditioner off, you’ll freak when you can’t accelerate! (I did – maybe that’s just me).

- If you’re a chick who likes products. Buy them back home! Make-up and hygiene products are almost double here and in some cases not even available. So stock up back home!

- Keep toilet paper in your back pack or car or where ever. The stations are about an hour to two hours apart and sometimes when you drink coffee and water in the morning you just might not be able to make it to the next stop!

- If you’re traveling from North America, bring your own Mac & Cheese, and mustard. Not the same here. Just saying.

- McDonalds is everywhere, and every one of them has FREE Wi-fi access 24hrs!

- Now that we’re coming into raining season, if the sky starts to get dark and the wind starts kicking up and you notice the ants going crazy it means you have about 30mins to an hour to take cover.

- There’s always a cheaper way, just ask. People here are SO friendly and always wanting to lend a hand for nothing in return.

Seriously!

Hope this helps your viewers Brook, and we definitely can’t wait to cross actual paths when you hop the pond to Australia!

Thanks for letting me be your guest blogger!

Cheers Mate!

Stacey Prieur

http://www.jillandstaceydotheroo.com